Sunset Hut

True story: at this (low) price point, it’s freshest, most filling and most delicious food in the UO area. I tried out the mafe (West African peanut stew over rice) and have been hooked ever since. The stew is rich without being overwhelming, the potatoes and carrots give it a hearty center, and the red rice is seasoned perfectly. The lettuce garnish, so often an afterthought with little practical purpose, provides the perfect cold and crisp counterpoint to keep the dish’s earthiness from overpowering you. If you’ve got the extra dollar ($ 7 vs $ 6), he’ll throw on a few substantial slices of chicken breast that go a long way toward filling you up. I have a huge appetite, and this one bowl of food keeps me sated for a good 5 – 6 hours.
I’ve also had his curry goat, which is also excellent, though once in the three times I’ve had it was a little light on the goat meat (which is like lamb but sweeter).
All this would be worth at least 4 stars even if the owner were a surly curmudgeon. Instead, he’s frankly the warmest, kindest man I’ve met so far in my short time in Eugene. He’s gregarious but not aggressive, very gracious, and provides tortilla chips and (mindblowing!) homemade salsa to all waiting customers. Even if his food sucked I think I’d stop by just to say hi a couple times a week.
Full disclosure: the man has about four other items on his menu (burritos, rice bowls, etc), which I’m sure are wonderful but I haven’t tried them. The only reason for this is, though, is that every time I order I know how fantastic the mafe is going to be.
If you’re a UO student, or even a nearby Eugenian, go here. Please. Have the mafe and see the light.

The food here is very good. For the more adventurous, the goat stew and mafe are one of a kind in Eugene and are both perfect for rainy days. For the boring folk, Sunset Hut has excellent burrito’s with all the fixings, and fresh avocado is only a dollar extra! But I wouldn’t be doing the Hut justice without talking about the owner, Eliman. Rarely do I take the time to get to know the people who work at carts like this, but Eliman is special. The man is a longtime eugene local and he has a story for just about anything you’re interested in. I originally came to try the «mafe», but this man’s friendly attitude and excellent service has kept me coming back, at least once a week, for more than a year now. Sunset Hut is the best!

I was immediately impressed by what this cart had to offer. As I approached the man in the window I was greeted with a smile and some of the greatest service I could ask for. While I was waiting for my food Eliman, the owner, offered me a trey of tortilla chips and his magnificent homemade salsa. Which was amazing. Once my mafe was presented to me, I was overwhelmed with the unique blend of flavors and textures that were smothering my taste buds. I would defiantly recommend giving this place a try! It is located right off campus, it’s cheap and you will not disappointed.